Time Limited Mainstream Inclusion Grant report
Contents
-
Key Themes from Allocation
- Key Themes
- Sensory Rooms and Spaces
- Emotional and Social Support
- Communication and Interaction
- Inclusive Teaching and Adaptive Learning
- Outdoor and Practical Learning
- Assessment and Intervention Tools
-
Most Common Focus Areas
- SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health)
- COG (Cognition and Learning)
- CAI (Communication and Interaction)
- Examples of Projects by Focus Area
-
Overall Insights
- Emphasis on Mental Health and Emotional Support
- Holistic Approaches
- Targeted Interventions
-
Next Steps
- Share best practice for Mental Health and Emotional Support Initiatives
- Monitor and Evaluate Impact
- Promote Collaboration and Sharing of Best Practices
Key Themes from Allocation
Key Themes
All grant allocations were awarded to mainstream schools either through individual allocations or group allocations. Below are some key themes and focus areas from the allocation information provided:
Sensory Rooms and Spaces
Many schools are focusing on creating or enhancing sensory rooms to support students with sensory processing needs. These spaces are designed to help students regulate their emotions and behaviours.
Emotional and Social Support
Projects aimed at improving social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) through various interventions, including Zones of Regulation, nurture groups, and emotional literacy programs.
Communication and Interaction
Several projects focus on improving communication skills for students with autism and other communication needs using tools like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and Widgit.
Inclusive Teaching and Adaptive Learning
Schools are investing in training for staff on adaptive teaching strategies and inclusive practices to better support students with diverse needs in the classroom.
Outdoor and Practical Learning
Some projects emphasize the benefits of outdoor learning and practical skills-based activities, such as Forest Schools, to engage students and support their holistic development.
Assessment and Intervention Tools
There is a focus on purchasing assessment tools and intervention programs to identify and support students' specific learning needs, particularly in literacy and numeracy.
Most Common Focus Areas
SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health)
Approximately 60% of the projects focus on social, emotional, and mental health support. This is the most common focus area, with many projects aiming to support students' emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and improve social skills.
COG (Cognition and Learning)
Around 25% of the projects aim to improve cognition and learning, particularly through targeted interventions. Projects targeting cognitive development, particularly through literacy and numeracy interventions, are also prevalent.
CAI (Communication and Interaction)
About 15% of the projects focus on communication and interaction improvements. Enhancing communication skills for students with autism and other communication needs is a significant focus.
| Focus area | Percent |
|---|---|
| SEMH | 54% |
| All areas of SEND | 28% |
| COG | 10% |
| SEMH and CAI | 4% |
| CAI | 4% |
| Focus area | Number of projects |
|---|---|
| SEMH | 27 |
| All areas of SEND | 14 |
| COG | 5 |
| SEMH and CAI | 3 |
| CAI | 2 |
Examples of Projects by Focus Area
SEMH
- Project: Creating a sensory room to support emotional regulation.
- Project: Implementing Zones of Regulation and Widget for inclusive teaching.
COG
- Project: Using Dyslexia Gold and Widgits program to improve literacy skills.
- Project: Implementing the White Rose Primary Intervention Programme for maths.
CAI
- Project: Launching PECS to support communication for SEND pupils.
- Project: Using Widgit to support communication and interaction needs.
Overall Insights
Emphasis on Mental Health and Emotional Support
The strong focus on SEMH projects underscores the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in education. Schools are prioritising interventions that support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and improve social skills.
Holistic Approaches
The combination of SEMH and CAI projects indicates that schools are adopting holistic approaches to support students with SEND. By addressing both emotional well-being and communication skills, these projects aim to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Targeted Interventions
The focus on cognition and learning projects highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve academic outcomes. Schools are investing in programs and resources that support literacy and numeracy development for students with learning difficulties.
Next Steps
Share best practice for Mental Health and Emotional Support Initiatives
- Continue to prioritize funding and support for SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) projects (such as the SEMH Graduated Approach and SEMH transition initiatives), as these are the most common and critical areas of need.
- Share best practice on SEMH initiatives, particularly sensory room practice through various avenues (such as OAP guide, Inclusive Education Padlet, SEND/Inclusion Events, Cluster model pilot)
Monitor and Evaluate Impact
The Panel will conduct a review of the impact of the projects that have been funded from the grants after a period of two terms.
Promote Collaboration and Sharing of Best Practices
Provide opportunities to share best practice from the projects, including presentation of success projects as events such as the SEND/Inclusion event 2025, SENCo Hub and at Cluster meetings as part of the pilot.
